Hong Kong has plunged into a state of official mourning following one of the most catastrophic building fires in its recent history. The three-day period of grief comes as the death toll from the blaze at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po climbed to a staggering 128 people.
Investigation Widens with New Arrests
Authorities have significantly widened their investigation into the tragedy, announcing eight fresh arrests. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed that those detained include engineering consultants, scaffolding subcontractors, and a middleman involved in the renovation works at the public housing estate. They are being probed for suspected corruption linked to the repair and maintenance projects at the site.
This follows the earlier arrest of three men connected to the renovation contract on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. The fire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, started on scaffolding surrounding one of the towers that was undergoing large-scale renovation. It then spread with terrifying speed to six neighbouring blocks, all of which were covered in protective netting and construction materials.
Alarming Safety Failures Revealed
Preliminary findings from the government have exposed shocking safety lapses that contributed to the scale of the disaster. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung delivered the grim confirmation that alarm systems in all eight affected buildings had failed, leaving residents without any warning as the inferno engulfed their homes.
Investigators discovered a dangerous combination of highly flammable materials at the site, including polystyrene boards, foam packaging, bamboo scaffolding, and netting that did not meet safety standards. These materials acted as a potent accelerant, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Firefighters battled the flames for over 40 hours, deploying a massive team of nearly 1,000 personnel for the rescue operation.
The human cost of the disaster continues to rise. Officials confirmed that at least 79 people have been injured, including 12 firefighters. In a heartbreaking update, around 200 residents are still reported missing. Nearly 900 evacuees have been moved to temporary shelters as search and relief efforts persist.
City-Wide Inspections and Mourning
In response to the tragedy, the Hong Kong government has ordered urgent, city-wide inspections of all scaffolding and construction materials used in ongoing renovation works. Security Secretary Chris Tang stated that authorities do not rule out the possibility of discovering more charred remains as investigators enter the building for a detailed evidence collection process. The identification of victims is still ongoing.
As the official mourning period began, Chief Executive John Lee led senior officials in a three-minute silence while flags flew at half-mast across the city. Condolence points were established, and grieving residents laid flowers near the charred towers of Wang Fuk Court. Families continue their desperate searches through hospitals and identification centres for missing loved ones.
This blaze now stands as Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948, raising urgent and serious questions about safety compliance in the city's ageing public housing stock. Authorities have indicated that a full investigation into the causes and failures could take up to four weeks to complete.
